Cost of Living in Stanford, CA
Population 17,958 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
At $2 million, the typical home in Stanford costs about 7× the national median, a premium characteristic of resort and luxury markets rather than primary-residence metros. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 7.6% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Geographically, Stanford sits roughly 8 miles west of Sunnyvale. Median home values run roughly 10% higher than Sunnyvale's $1.8 million.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Stanford
The median home value in Stanford is $2,000,001 — 556% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,925/month, 46% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $70,651/year is 5% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.6%, above the national average of 4.8%. California's top state income tax rate is 13.3% and the combined sales tax is 8.7%. Overall, Stanford has a cost of living index of 452 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 352% more expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Stanford, CA?
Stanford has a cost index of 452 (100 = national average). It is 352% above the national average.
What is average rent in Stanford, CA?
The median gross rent in Stanford is $1,925 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Stanford?
The median home value in Stanford is $2,000,001 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Stanford?
The median household income in Stanford is $70,651 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Stanford, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Stanford is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Stanford, CA affordable?
Stanford is above average in cost of living, with an index of 452 — about 352% higher than the national average.
Stanford at a Glance
- Population
- 17,958
- Median Income
- $70,651
- Home Value
- $2,000,001
- Median Rent
- $1,925/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.6%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data